UConn's Kayleigh Heckel excited for dream MSG game in NY homecoming

Sophomore guard looks forward to playing in iconic arena in front of family and friends

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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UConn sophomore Kayleigh Heckel, a Westchester County native, is excited to play at Madison Square Garden this weekend when the top-ranked Huskies take on her hometown St. John's Red Storm. Heckel, who transferred from USC this season, grew up dreaming of playing in the iconic arena and will have a large contingent of family and friends in attendance for the matchup.

Why it matters

Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous and historic basketball arenas, hosting countless legendary games and players over the decades. For a young player like Heckel, getting the chance to compete on that stage in front of her loved ones is a special opportunity that can help shape her college career.

The details

Heckel, who starred at Long Island Lutheran in high school, has seen her stats improve across the board in her first season at UConn after transferring from USC. She's averaging 6.8 points, 2.9 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game for the top-ranked Huskies. Growing up, Heckel would often play physical pickup games against her two older brothers in the family's driveway, which helped develop her competitive toughness.

  • Heckel's UConn team will face St. John's at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • Heckel transferred to UConn after the 2025-26 season at USC.

The players

Kayleigh Heckel

A sophomore guard for the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, originally from Westchester County, New York.

Donna and Walter Heckel

Kayleigh's parents, who both played athletics at St. John's University.

Corey and Tyler Heckel

Kayleigh's two older brothers, who she would often play physical pickup games against growing up.

Sue Bird

The legendary UConn and WNBA player whose No. 10 jersey Heckel got to see raised to the rafters at Gampel Pavilion.

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What they’re saying

“It'll be really cool, especially just growing up watching the NBA playoffs and just seeing the energy that comes when you play there. You always see the celebrities courtside. It's just a different kind of energy, especially just being in New York. Everyone comes to watch games that are played there so I think the energy is going to be really high.”

— Kayleigh Heckel, UConn Sophomore (The Post)

“They're really good, too. They're not going to just let me do whatever, so they're very physical when we play and they get their shots and stuff, so it's always a close game, but I'd say that I win mostly.”

— Kayleigh Heckel, UConn Sophomore (The Post)

What’s next

Heckel and the top-ranked UConn Huskies will look to cap off a perfect season with a win over St. John's at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

The takeaway

Heckel's homecoming to the iconic Madison Square Garden represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, showcasing how elite college basketball can provide student-athletes with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to compete on the biggest stages in front of family and friends.